Strain: GBO (Go Big Orange!)
Lineage: Orange Glaze (Automatic Genetics) x GG#4/MAC
Chemotype: CBDA:THCA (Type II Mixed Ratio)
Breeder: @indoorhempfarmer (of Flow Gardens)
Cultivator: Flow Gardens
Ethics Statement
I paid for this flower. Though I have occasionally spoken to Flow Gardens, the company has no influence whatsoever on the contents of my review, nor were they allowed to preview prior to public release. The only money exchanged was me paying for my order. I did make a post on Reddit about a bud which was mostly stem. I was contacted by FG and after a short conversation, was sent some extra flowers. Thank you to the FG team, however, as with everyone who enters The Flavor Chase, the quality of the product has to speak for itself. So let’s get into the review.
Appearance
Prior to the arrival of my purchase I had seen a few different photos of GBO from consumers on Reddit in r/CultoftheFranklin and r/Type2Trees. The buds seemed to have a decent medium-large size with good density and trichome coverage. Judging from the flower that I received, the company was probably down to their smaller flower. Buds were a little short than dime sized, with some micros and a looser more airy branch. Though I wish I had gotten the larger buds, these are pretty smalls. In terms of size, they remind me of some of the Sour Lifter I’ve had from Goat Ridge Hemp. You’re treated to a beautiful lime green with orange pistils and frosty trichomes. There was minimal leaf present, with the leaf present being sugar.
Nose
Flow’s website states that this flower was one of the stinkiest in their garden with a heavily gassy aroma. Opening up the calyx container I was treated to what I would consider to be a stinky and rich citrus forward profile. A heavier orange peel with gassy undertones. Breaking down the flower the gassy elements came forward even more. It’s a pleasant smelling flower. Not like a cologne or a cleaning product, but leaning closer towards an exotic flavor profile. I believe this flower is their hydro grown flower. I’d love to check out their living soil version, if that’s in their production schedule.
The Smoking Experience (Taste and Effect)
Flow Gardens does an excellent job with the curing of their flowers. The flower was dry enough to have that snap when you break a bud, but with enough moisture and stickiness to easily roll a joint. I rolled approximately one gram in a RAW black kingsize slim paper. The dry hit was a noticeably sour and gassy citrus profile. It did remind me somewhat of the Orange Glaze that I’ve previously tried from them, but kicked up a notch. Once lighting the joint with a hemp wick, the first thing I noted was how smooth the smoke was. There was no harshness, whatsoever, and each inhale and exhale had a notable profile. On the inhale there is a subtle lead diesel gas note. On the nostril exhale there is a more noticeable pungent bitter orange peel. It’s without a doubt an enjoyable tase. The flower itself burns a very light heather gray ash color.
Effects began to kick in at approximately 1/3 of the way through the joint. I was having a tad bit of troubled taking a deep breath right before smoking it and the first effect I noticed was that breathing actually became a bit easier. Looking out my window at a rose plant in the backyard, it felt as if there was a slight bit more color vibrancy in the blooming flowers. A strong headband feeling wrapped around my head and as my thoughts trailed for a few minutes, once the joint was finished I felt a bit more energetic and motivated to do some Sunday cleaning around the house. Effects are long lasting, roughly 45 – 90 minutes.
Final Thoughts and Shelf Placement
There’s a reason why Flow Gardens is considered one of the most popular hemp flower cultivation and distribution companies online. They consistently produce beautiful looking Type II & III flower. GBO is no exception to the rule. Though I was a bit disappointed with the size of the buds that I received in my order, it’s just the nature of things when a company gets down to the last of the flower they have available. That being said, one can’t deny the beautiful color and density to some of these smalls. The nose and flavor profiles are quite enjoyable, though could have been louder. Many of the living soil grown flowers that I’ve tried from other cultivators have tended to have louder profiles. I have yet to try Flow’s living soil flower, but once strains like Unicorn Butter, BOB or GBO become available in that variety, I’d love to try then. The effects of this flower are not for a lightweight. If you have issues with handling THCA, this flower might smack you around for a while. If you can handle THCA, however, you’ll be greeted to an enjoyable sativa headband effect and free flowing thoughts. I’d also recommend this flower for an activity like walking the dog or before working out. At the time of this review the flower is currently out of stock, but when available, is recommended as part of The Flavor Chase.
Appearance: B (Small, but dense buds with a looser, sativa structure.)
Nose: B + (Sour/Bitter citrus peel with gassy elements once ground.)
Taste: B (Lead subtle gas inhale, dominant citrus peel exhale. Smooth with 0 harshness.)
Effect: A (Intense sativa effects physically wrap around the head and provides an uplifting feeling. Excellent for the daytime.)
Shelf: Good Mid
The Flavor Chase 